Koh Lanta to Samui Island: Ferry & Bus, Schedule, and Prices
Koh Lanta to Samui Island Ferry & Bus: Schedule, and Prices

Koh Lanta to Samui Island by Ferry & Bus: Hassle-Free Journey
If you're planning a trip from Koh Lanta to Samui Island by Bus and Ferry, you're in for a great adventure! This journey is a popular route for many travelers. You’ll get to see stunning coastlines, clear waters, and beautiful scenery along the way. The trip is about 274 km (170 miles) and involves both a bus and a ferry ride. No need to worry about the details—we’ll cover everything you need to know. From departure times to ticket prices and tips for a smooth journey, we’ve got you covered. You can book your tickets easily and be on your way to explore the best of Samui Island.
Koh Lanta to Samui Island Schedule and Pricing
The whole trip from Koh Lanta to Samui Island usually takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours. The exact time depends on the transport you choose. The trip includes a bus ride and a ferry crossing, making the journey both comfortable and scenic. Here’s what you need to know about the departure times and pricing:
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- Most trips start with a bus from Koh Lanta that takes you to the ferry pier. The journey usually begins at the Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta. From there, you’ll travel by bus to Donsak Pier, where you’ll catch the ferry to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.
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- Once you arrive at Donsak Pier, you’ll board the ferry for the final part of the trip. The boat ride offers beautiful views of the ocean, so keep your camera ready!
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- Prices for the entire journey, including the bus tickets and ferry ride, range between $30 and $50 USD per person. The exact price depends on the bus companies and ferry services you choose. When you book your tickets, you can select different classes, from standard to more comfortable options.
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- Different companies operating this route have multiple departure times throughout the day, usually in the morning. It’s best to book early to pick a time that suits you.
Departure Details
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- From Koh Lanta: Your trip will start at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta, where the bus will pick you up. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the bus departs to check in and get settled. The bus ride is comfortable, with air conditioning to keep you cool. The bus will take you through beautiful landscapes until you reach Donsak Pier.
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- Arrival in Samui Island: After the ferry crosses the sea, you’ll arrive at Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier. This is the main pier on the island. From there, you can easily find taxis or other transportation to take you to your hotel or other parts of the island. Samui Island has many attractions, including its famous white sand beaches.
Check-in Instructions
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- Bus and Ferry Check-in: When you arrive at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta, make sure you have your ticket from Koh Lanta ready. Most operators will require you to check in at least 30–60 minutes before departure. When you reach Donsak Pier, staff members will guide you to the ferry. This makes the transfer easy and smooth.
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- Luggage: Most buses and ferries have limited space for large bags. It’s a good idea to pack light or use a smaller suitcase for this journey. Keep your important items, like tickets and ID, in a small backpack or bag you can carry with you.
Important Travel Information
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- The entire trip, which includes the bus ferry combination, will take you around 7.5 to 9 hours. Make sure to check the departure times when you book your tickets to find the best option.
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- Many operators offer good customer service to help you with any questions or changes. If you need help with your booking or have questions about the trip, they are there to assist.
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There may not be many options for food and drinks during the boat ride, so it’s smart to pack some snacks and water. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids.
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The ferry crossing can be affected by weather. Check the weather forecast before your trip. In case of rough seas, operators may change the trips leaving the pier to keep everyone safe.
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This Lanta to Koh Samui route is one of the most popular ways to travel between these islands. Many travelers choose this bus and ferry combination because it’s both convenient and affordable.
Conclusion
Traveling from Ko Lanta to Samui Island is a wonderful experience. You’ll get to enjoy a mix of land and sea travel, with views of beautiful beaches and blue waters. The trip includes a bus ride from Saladan Pier to Donsak Pier and a scenic boat ride to Nathon Pier on Samui Island. There are many companies operating on this route, with different departure times and options to suit your schedule. You can book your tickets easily online or at the pier. Remember to pack light, bring some snacks, and get ready for a memorable journey. Now, you’re all set for your Koh Lanta to Samui Island adventure!
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. Your boarding voucher is in your account: open Bookings, then View trip details, and click Download PDF. On the day of travel, show the QR code on it — on your phone is fine — to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket, and they will direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer paper, print the PDF yourself.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
We are sorry when weather stops a sailing. Ferries usually run in rain; speedboats are more often stopped by rough seas.
If your trip is cancelled because of weather, your booking in Bookings shows a message once our team has confirmed the cancellation. You can then either move to the next available service with Change this booking, or cancel with Cancel & refund for a full refund.
If the sailing is running but you choose not to travel, the normal cancellation policy applies.
Why is my account locked?
We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.
You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?
What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?
Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.
Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.
If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.
How do I unlock my account now?
Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.
If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.
My account locked but I never tried to sign in
Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.
Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.
We would still recommend two things:
- Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
- Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.
If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.